The Audi RS5 aims straight for the BMW M4 and AMG C63

A more aggressive design comes with more aggressive performance

March 7, 2017

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If an automaker is going to raid the corporate parts bin, they should take a page from Audi and its new RS5 coupe, which debuted at this year’s Geneva motor show. Previously powered by a 4.2-liter V8, the new coupe has Porsche power under the hood -- a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 making 450 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque -- 125 more lb-ft than the company squeezed from the V8.

Power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system that splits torque 40:60 F/R and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Zero-60 takes 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph, though it can be bumped up to 174 with a tick of the options sheet. The removal of the V8 along with a carbon-fiber roof cuts weight by 132 pounds, tipping the scales at 3,649 pounds.

The Audi A5 and S5 Sportbacks will make it to our shores next year, with Audi slated to offer this dynamic duo in two different flavors.Just like the A5 ...

The five-link front and rear suspension gives the RS5 a lower stance -- 0.8 inch -- than the A5. The RS5 suspension comes with Dynamic Ride Control, ceramic brakes and dynamics steering with RS-specific tuning. The entire driving experience can be personalized through Audi’s drive-select system.

Most noticeably, the design has been updated with a more aggressive and angular appearance. The RS5 rides on 19- or 20-inch forged alloy wheels while appearance packages add gloss-black, carbon or matte-aluminum accents. There is an RS-specific diffuser, unique oval tailpipes and a spoiler lip. The grille is wider and flatter than the base model and is flanked by LED headlights. The new RS5 is 2.9 inches longer than the previous model.

The new Audi RS5 coupe will go on sale in Germany and other European countries in June for 80,900 euros ($85,489 at current exchange rates). There is no date when the new RS5 will come stateside, but it can’t come soon enough.